After a three-month investigation by the Lyon County Narcotics Division in Smith Valley, Mason Valley and Topaz Ranch Estates, more than 228 grams of methamphetamine were recovered and seven individuals were arrested - the top being held in Lyon County jail on $276,132 bail.
The first bust, on Dec. 22 in the Mason Valley area, was for a quarter-pound of methamphetamine. Deputies arrested Gerrado Humberto-Mauricio, 23, of Topaz Ranch Estates, and charged him with suspicion of trafficking in a controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Deputies also arrested Benjamin McOsker, 44, of Carson City, and charged him with suspicion of trafficking in a controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance for sale. Bail was set at $125,000.
An additional 21Ú2 ounces of methamphetamine were found in his vehicle. From this initial bust, several arrest and search warrants were prepared for other individuals.
On Dec. 29, the Lyon County Narcotics Division, with help from the Douglas Narcotics Unit and Douglas County SWAT, served search warrants in the 1500 block of Topaz Ranch Drive and the 3800 block of Sapphire Road in the Topaz Ranch Estates.
Ray Booth, 47, was arrested on suspicion of sales of a controlled substance, conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the uniformed controlled substance act.
Bail was set at $35,000. John Hara Jr., 60, was arrested on suspicion of sales of a controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the uniformed controlled substance act.
Bail was set at $25,000. Tracy Scott-Kiernan, 45, was arrested on suspicion of sales of a controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the uniformed controlled substance act. Bail was set at $25,000.
On Dec. 30, the Lyon County Narcotics Division went to the 40 block of Carter Lane in Smith Valley and served a search warrant. Katherine Ellis, 53, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking of a controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance, conspiracy to violate the uniformed controlled substance act and unlawful use of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $147,500.
Deputies also arrested Kelly Valente, 38, of Wellington, on suspicion of unlawful use of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.
The total street value of the methamphetamine is estimated at more than $36,000.